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Isaimozhi
Lyrics & meaning

Manushan Ennavo

From Punniya Boomi · 1978

Lyricist
Pulamaipithan
Singer
T. M. Soundararajan
Music director
M. S. Vishwanathan
Details
Punniya Boomi1978

Lyrics & meaning

Tanglish lyrics English translation
Male
Manushan ennavo nallavandhanMan is inherently good,
Avan manasilathanda pei irukkuBut inside his heart resides a demon.
Manushan ennavo nallavandhanMan is inherently good,
Avan manasilathanda pei irukkuBut inside his heart resides a demon.
Kolam azhagathaan irukkuThe external form looks beautiful,
Avan gunathilae naayin vaal irukkuBut in his character lies a dog's tail (crookedness).
Kolam azhagathaan irukkuThe external form looks beautiful,
Gunathilae naayin vaal irukkuIn his character lies a dog's tail.
Manushan ennavo nallavandhanMan is inherently good,
Avan manasilathanda pei irukkuBut inside his heart resides a demon.
Male
Paarvai vovondrum kalugugal polaeEvery look is like that of vultures,
Vaarthai vovondrum narigalai polaeEvery word is like that of foxes.
Paarvai vovondrum kalugugal polaeEvery look is like that of vultures,
Vaarthai vovondrum narigalai polaeEvery word is like that of foxes.
Nalla mirugam kattil irukkuThe good beast resides in the forest,
Kodiyadhu veetil irukkuWhile the cruel one stays inside the house.
Male
Neramum nalla nerungudhu ippoThe right time is drawing near now,
Enakkini vaettai irukkuA hunt awaits me from now on.
Naana neeya naalai paarppom poda rajaIs it you or me? We shall see tomorrow, go ahead king!
Male
Manushan ennamo nallavandhanMan is inherently good,
Avan manasilathanda pei irukkuBut inside his heart resides a demon.
Male
Vel vel vel vel vetri velSpear, spear, spear, spear, victorious spear!
Vel vel vel vel vetri velSpear, spear, spear, spear, victorious spear!
Vel vel vel vel vetri velSpear, spear, spear, spear, victorious spear!
Vel vel vetri velSpear, spear, victorious spear!
Vel vel vetri velSpear, spear, victorious spear!
Male
Kaalai nerathil saamigal veshamIn the morning hours, disguising as gods,
Maalai nerathil manmadha dhosamIn the evening hours, afflicted by lustful sins.
Ethanai naala sathira sottrilFor how many days on free charity food,
Valarthathu indha udambhuHas this body been nourished?
Male
Kaaviya katti thadiya ottiDonning saffron robes and holding a wooden staff,
Nadakkuthu unga pizhaippuYour fake livelihood continues like this!
Naalum pesum yaagam yogamAll the daily talk about sacrifices and yoga,
Yaavum mosamEverything is a complete fraud!
Male
Manushan ennamo nallavandhanMan is inherently good,
Avan manasilathanda pei irukkuBut inside his heart resides a demon.
Male
Kaadu maedellam uzhaippadhu naangalWe are the ones working in forests and hillocks,
Kanji porattam ethanai naatkalFor how many days must we struggle for basic porridge?
Kaadu maedellam uzhaippadhu naangalWe are the ones working in forests and hillocks,
Kanji porattam ethanai naatkalFor how many days must we struggle for basic porridge?
Kutta kuttathaan kuninjirundhanAs long as he was pushed, he stayed bowed down,
Kunindhavan nimirndhu vittaanThe one who bowed has now stood tall!
Male
Satta padikku vara maruthaWhen they refuse to come according to the law,
Sandhikka thunindhu vittaanHe has dared to confront them directly!
Gyaayam ketkkum kalam neramThe time and battlefield to demand justice,
Nalai thondrumWill arise tomorrow!
Male
Manushan ennamo nallavandhanMan is inherently good,
Avan manasilathanda pei irukkuBut inside his heart resides a demon.
Kolam azhagathaan irukkuThe external form looks beautiful,
Avan gunathilae naayin vaal irukkuBut in his character lies a dog's tail.
Kolam azhagathaan irukkuThe external form looks beautiful,
Gunathilae naayin vaal irukkuIn his character lies a dog's tail.
Manushan ennavo nallavandhanMan is inherently good,
Avan manasilathanda pei irukkuBut inside his heart resides a demon.

Beyond the translation

Song interpretation

Manushan Ennavo Nallavandhan from the 1978 movie Punniya Boomi is a hard-hitting socio-political track centered on human hypocrisy, moral corruption, and class revolt. Written by revolutionary lyricist Pulamaipithan, the song argues that while human nature may be intrinsically good, greed and malice turn men into demonic oppressors. It takes a sharp jab at fake ascetics and hypocritical elites who pose as pious leaders by day while harboring corrupt desires and living off the hard labor of others. The song serves as an awakening call for the working class who labor in fields and hills yet struggle for basic meals. It issues a fierce warning that the suppressed masses who were pushed down for so long have finally risen up, ready to challenge authority and demand justice through direct confrontation.

Writing craft

Poetic devices

Simile (Uvamaani)

Paarvai vovondrum kalugugal polae

Compares predatory human intent to vultures ('kalugugal polae') and deceitful words to foxes ('narigalai polae').

Metaphor & Proverbial Imagery (Pazhamozhi / Uruvagam)

Avan gunathilae naayin vaal irukku

Uses the proverbial expression of a dog's tail ('naayin vaal') to symbolize an unchangeable, crooked character hidden behind a neat appearance.

Antithesis / Contrast (Muran)

Kaalai nerathil saamigal vesham

Contrasts morning piousness ('saamigal vesham') with evening immorality ('manmadha dhosam') to highlight human hypocrisy.

Rhyme & Repetition (Etukai / Anaphora)

Vel vel vel vel vetri vel

Repetition of 'Vel' acts as a rhythmic battle cry symbolizing victory and divine righteousness against evil.

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Trivia

Featured in Punniya Boomi (1978) starring Sivaji Ganesan, this song stands out for lyricist Pulamaipithan's trademark anti-feudal, rationalist lyrics. T. M. Soundararajan's powerful, booming vocal delivery combined with M. S. Vishwanathan's intense composition turned this into an enduring political anthem in Tamil cinema history.

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